Staff Reviews

By: Greg St. Clair

12/10/2016

K&L Staff Member

I visited Luca Sanjust at his winery Petrolo in September 2015 and got to taste his 100% Merlot Galatrona as it was being racked off the skins--it was its first breath as a wine. I knew immediately that this was a tremendous wine. The aromatic purity, saturated flavors and exceptional length just screamed greatness. Even at such a young stage its palate presence was remarkable, such balance, and as the finish approached it just seemed to lift off your tongue at the back; superb length, yet it was a newborn and needed time.
Fast forward to September 2016, I was able to taste at James Suckling’s first-ever Tuscan “en primeur” barrel tasting where I tasted close to 50 Super Tuscans from 2015. The 2015 Petrolo Galatrona didn’t disappoint. If you’ve never had Galatrona before and aren’t a fan of California styled Merlot, you’ve not experienced a Merlot like this. The nose, while still evolving, was exceptionally complex, with layers of earth, spice, leather, and bolder berry flavors, but what was most exciting was the floral component: wisps of dried violet and lavender came in at the finish. On the palate the wine was elegant first, so in line, no extra fat; it was sinewy, long, more like a swimmer’s body, supple, long yet you can sense the power and direction. The flavors were still nascent, yet the fruit was preparing to burst forward. The finish was highlighted by elegance, restrained power; I could feel the tension of evolution that was preparing for the next stage of development within this wine. Galatrona has greatness on the horizon, and a long life ahead. Don’t miss out.
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